Finding a Healthy Church Home Dr. Ritch Boerckel
Senior Pastor
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GriefShare PrimeTime Fellowship Youth Events RESOLVEDto
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Global Outreach June Mission Services
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From the Elders Proclaiming and Preparing
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June Calendar
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June/July Birthdays and Anniversaries
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The Gospel Institute Job Opportunity Open Hearts Open Homes
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Women’s Ministries
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“My son/daughter is moving to a new city. Do you know of any good churches in their area where they will be living?” I love this question because it assumes that one of the most important parts of “settling in” to a new community is committing oneself to a local church. The New Testament teaches that deep commitment to the local church through active involvement in the ministry of the local church is essential to our life purpose and our future joy. Obedient believers commit themselves to the life and ministry of a local church. Yet we know from Revelation chapters 2 and 3 that not all churches are equal in pleasing God. There are healthy churches and there are unhealthy churches. Our ability to glorify God will be closely connected to
the health of the church we have chosen to make our home. There are few decisions that impact our present life here on earth and future life in heaven more than the decision we make regarding our church home. So how can we discern between a healthy church and an unhealthy church as we are making this serious decision? Three Big Principles for Finding a Healthy Church Principle #1: Be wary of the persuasive power of superficial criteria. Sadly, many choose a church home on the basis of superficial criteria such as music, atmosphere, culture, facilities, refreshments, location, and demographics. These are not completely unimportant, but they are secondary to other considerations. These measures need to stand in their proper Continued on page 2